HP Showcases Z VR Backpack at SIGGRAPH 2017

The backpack will go on sale next month for $3,299.

Technology event SIGGRAPH 2017 is underway this week with some of the biggest companies across the globe showcasing their latest projects. On the virtual reality (VR) front HP has announced its developing a business focused approach by unveiling a wearable VR-ready PC, the HP Z VR Backpack.

While consumer VR maybe driving adoption of the technology many companies are looking at the commercial possibilities, whether that’s through healthcare, education or entertainment in the form of VR arcades. Which is where devices like the HP Z VR Backpack come in.

VR backpacks are nothing new, with companies like MSI and Alienware having previously showcased their own wearable PC’s. HP’s effort features an Intel Core i7 processor with a maximum 32 GB DDR4 RAM capacity, and an NVIDIA Quadro P5200 with 16GB video memory. Weighting in at 4.65g (including backpack), what makes the HP Z VR Backpack unique is its docking functionality, so that developers transition back and forth between desktop PC for content design and wearable VR PC to validate creations.

“Virtual reality is changing the way people learn, communicate and create,” said Xavier Garcia, vice president and general manager, Z Workstations, HP Inc. in a statement. “Making the most of this technology requires a collaborative relationship between customers and partners. As a leader in technology, HP is uniting powerful commercial VR solutions, including new products like the HP Z VR Backpack, with customer needs to empower VR experiences our customers can use today to reinvent the future.”

The backpack also features a dual-battery system with hot swapping, enabling users to extend their gaming sessions on the fly. All this doesn’t come cheap however, with the HP Z VR Backpack is scheduled to be available in September starting at $3,299 USD

And HP’s commitment to VR doesn’t stop there. Later this year it’ll be opening thirteen immersion centres in Palo Alto, Houston, Boise, Fort Collins, Stockholm, London, Paris, Barcelona, Boeblingen, Beijing, Sydney, Tokyo and Singapore, designed so customers can have an immersive experience using HP VR technology and receive consulting and learn how to best deploy VR devices within their business.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of HP, reporting back with the latest announcements.

Staff writer at VRFocus who enjoys bringing the latest news to our keen readers all over the world. Obsessive gamer since the days of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, when Peter does step outside he's off to practice Bruce Lee's Jeet Kun Do, or see the latest local live bands.